The  Evangelical  Test 


A STATEMENT  OF  OPINIONS 


Compiled  by  G.  K.  Shurtleft" 


CLEVELAND 


TO  BE  READ 

The  following  expressions  of  opinion  and  criticism  concerning 
the  Evangelical  Test  have  been  offered  by  men,  intensely  interested 
in  the  success  of  The  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association,  from 
different  states  and  countries. 

Nothing  herein  contained,  necessarily  represents  the  views  of 
the  compiler.  The  pamphlet  is  issued  to  set  the  case  as  fairly  and 
with  as  little  personal  color  as  possible  before  the  officers  of  our 
Associations,  in  the  hope  that  an  understanding  of  these  various 
opinions  may  do  something  toward  final  unity  and  concord. 

Cleveland,  May  i,  1907. 


Copies  of  this  pamphlet  may  be  secured  at  one  dollar  per  dozen ; 
not  sold  in  smaller  lots. 


THE  EVANGELICAL  TEST 


What  is  it? 

The  first  of  the  following  resolutions  was  adopted  at  the 
International  Convention  of  the  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association 
meeting  at  Detroit  in  1868. 

In  order  to  make  clear  the  meaning  of  the  word  “evangelical” 
and  to  establish  a rule  for  representation  in  the  convention,  the 
second  and  third  parts  were  adopted  at  the  convention  meeting  in 
Portland,  Maine,  in  1869. 

The  italicized  words  at  the  end  of  the  second  part,  were  added 
by  amendment  at  the  Indianapolis  convention  in  1893. 

The  whole  forms  what  is  variously  called  “The  Evangelical 
Test,”  “The  Evangelical  Basis,”  or  “The  Portland  Resolutions.” 


I. 

(DETROIT,  1868) 

“Resolved,  That,  as  these  organizations  bear  the  name  of  Christian,  and  profess  to  be  engaged 
directly  in  the  Saviour’s  service,  so  it  is  clearly  their  duty  to  maintain  the  control  and  management  of  all  their 
affairs  in  the  hands  of  those  who  profess  to  love  and  publicly  avow  their  faith  in  Jesus,  the  Redeemer,  as 
Divine,  and  who  testify  their  faith  by  becoming  and  remaining  members  of  churches  held  to  be  Evangelical, 
and  that  such  persons  and  none  others,  should  be  allowed  to  vote  or  hold  office.” 

II. 

(PORTLAND,  1869) 

“That  as  these  organizations  bear  the  name  of  Christian  and  profess  to  be  engaged  directly  in  the 
Saviour’s  service,  so  it  is  clearly  their  duty  to  maintain  the  control  and  management  of  all  their  affairs  in  the 
hands  of  those  who  profess  to  love  and  publicly  avow  their  faith  in  Jesus,  the  Redeemer,  as  Divine,  and  who 
testify  their  faith  by  becoming  and  remaining  members  of  churches,  held  to  be  Evangelical ; and  that  such 
persons  and  none  others,  should  be  allowed  to  vote  or  hold  office.” 

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“And  we  hold  those  churches  to  be  Evangelical  which,  maintaining  the  Holy  Scripture  to  be  the  only 
infallible  rule  of  faith  and  practice,  do  believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  (the  only  begotten  Son  of  the  Father, 
King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords,  in  whom  dwelleth  the  fullness  of  the  Godhead  bodily,  and  who  was  made 
sin  for  us,  though  knowing  no  sin,  bearing  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree),  as  the  only  name  under 
heaven,  given  among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved  from  everlasting  punishment  and  to  eternal  life 

III. 

(PORTLAND,  1869) 

“ Resolved,  That  the  Associations  organized  after  this  date,  shall  be  entitled  to  representation  in  future 
conference  of  the  associated  Young  Men’s  Christian  Associations  of  North  America,  upon  conditions  that 
they  be  severally  composed  of  young  men  in  communion  with  Evangelical  Churches,  (provided  that  in  places 
where  Associations  are  formed  by  a single  denomination,  members  of  other  denominations  are  not  excluded 
therefrom)  and  active  membership  and  the  right  to  hold  office  be  conferred  only  upon  young  men  who  are 
members  in  good  standing  in  Evangelical  Churches.” 

Why  was  such  a Test  adopted ? 

Obviously,  it  seemed  necessary  to  the  members  of  the  several 
conventions  to  establish  some  basis  which  would  safeguard  the  organ- 
ization against  Unitarians,  Universalists,  Roman  Catholics  and 
heretics.  The  internal  evidences,  indeed,  seem  to  substantiate  the 
tradition  which  for  years  has  assigned  such  a motive  to  the  framers  of 
the  Portland  resolution. 

The  paragraph  beginning,  “And  we  hold  those  churches  to  be 
Evangelical  etc.,”  evidently  thrusts  at  the  Roman  doctrine  of  tradi- 
tion, as  being  of  co-ordinate  authority  with  the  Evangelical  doctrine 
of  the  Holy  Scriptures  as  the  only  infallible  rule  of  faith  and 
practice.  The  parenthetical  clause  in  the  second  section  must 
obviously  be  taken  as  a Scriptural  polemic  against  Unitarianism, 
while  the  remainder  of  the  resolution  beginning  with,  “As  the  only 
name  under  Heaven,”  is  an  evident  attempt  to  exclude  the  members 
of  the  then  growing  Universalist  denomination,  whose  tenets  were 
thought  to  threaten  the  foundations  of  the  orthodox  belief.  We, 
therefore,  have  as  our  “basis”  for  active  membership  to-day,  a philli- 
pic  against  the  non-conforming  bodies  of  forty  years  ago.  It  seems 
to  have  been  a pragmatic  necessity. 

* Indianapolis,  1893. 


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JVhat  has  the  Test  accomplished ? 

1.  It  has,  without  doubt,  increased  the  interest  of  evangelical 
Christianity  in  this  special  movement  for  the  conversion  of  young 
men. 

2.  It  has  in  many  cases,  brought  to  the  management  and 
support  of  the  Association,  able  and  wealthy  laymen  who  otherwise 
would  have  felt  neither  responsibility  nor  interest  in  the  success  of 
the  organization. 

3.  It  has  kept  the  movement  from  becoming  a sect. 

4.  It  has  kept  the  Association’s  relationship  to  the  church 
significantly  before  the  membership  and  its  control  in  the  hands  of 
church  members. 

5.  The  “Test”  has  given  a certain  stability  and  uniformity  to 
the  religious  teachings  of  the  society,  without  which  it  would  have 
lacked  consistency  and  coherency. 

On  the  other  hand: 

1.  It  has  estranged  from  membership  and  support,  many  whose 
characters  would  have  brought  much  in  both  effort  and  money  to  the 
advancement  of  the  Association. 

2.  It  has  restrained  in  some  localities,  endowments  and  large 
gifts  from  finding  their  way  into  the  treasury  of  the  institution. 

3.  It  has  prevented  successful  organization  of  the  enterprise  in 
several  important  centers. 

4.  It  has  encouraged  hypocrisy  in  that,  many  Associations 
legally  accepting  the  evangelical  basis  of  organization,  find  it  so  im- 
practical on  account  of  local  conditions  that,  in  point  of  fact,  they  are 
systematically  and  deliberately  evading  it. 

5.  It  has  increased  the  difficulties  of  college  association  work 
almost  to  the  point  of  forcing  a schismatic  movement. 

6.  It  threatens  to  divide  the  Associations  of  North  America 
into  opposing  factions  unless  remedial  legislation  is  adopted. 

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The  questions  for  consideration  are : 

i.  Shall  we  stand  by  the  present  statement  of  the  Evangelical 
Test?  or 

1.  Adopt  a purely  personal  test  (like  the  Paris  basis)? 

3.  Adopt  a new  definition  of  an  Evangelical  Church? 

4.  Adopt  an  alternate  statement  to  be  substituted  where  desired 
by  either  newly  organized  or  old  Associations  ? 

The  present  situation. 

Seven  of  the  leading  colleges  in  New  England  in  December, 
1906,  requested  the  International  Committee  to  consider  the  revision 
of  the  test.  In  compliance,  the  Committee  has  authorized  the 
appointment  of  a commission  to  study  the  questions  involved  and 
report  their  conclusions  for  its  further  consideration. 

Several  other  colleges  and  universities  await  the  findings  of  the 
Commission  prior  to  their  contemplative  act  of  separation  from  the 
brotherhood. 

In  various  parts  of  the  country,  city  Associations  are  discussing 
the  advisability  of  changing  their  membership  basis  for  a more  liberal 
statement,  so  that  a larger  number  can  be  admitted  to  voting  control. 

The  central  west  shows  signs  of  unrest  in  both  local  and 
college  organizations. 

The  railroad  associations  seem  to  be  the  most  numerous  in 
their  disregard  for  a strict  observance  of  the  test.  Many  are  known 
as  “ Provisional  ” Associations;  that  is,  they  are  organized  in  a man- 
ner similar  to  the  regular  branches,  but  ignore  the  evangelical  basis 
in  selecting  their  boards  of  directors. 

The  south  seems  to  be  solid  in  its  adherence  to  the  regular 
formula,  while  the  west  is  divided  in  its  opinion. 

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The  general  secretaries,  as  a class,  are  conservative,  but  in  many 
Associations  there  are  directors  whose  judgment  favors  a change  in 
the  present  standard.  This  is  true  in  some  of  the  most  conservative 
local  organizations. 

There  has  not  occurred  open  revolt  to  any  significant  extent, 
principally  because  no  agitator  has  arisen  to  lead  an  insurrection. 
When  such  a man  does  assume  to  direct  the  forces  already  getting 
into  line,  there  will  be  a host  of  malcontents  ready  to  join  in  the 
movement.  If  the  Associations  wait  for  such  an  event,  it  will  be 
difficult  to  cope  with  the  consequences  of  an  uprising. 

The  question  some  men  are  asking  is,  “ Whether  it  would  not 
be  better  to  give  the  matter  attention  while  sane  judgment  can  prevail 
and  a just  arrangement  be  effected,  rather  than  delay  until  united  and 
harmonious  action  becomes  impossible.” 

Against  any  change. 

Those  opposed  to  a change  hold  that: — 

1.  No  considerable  number  of  men  or  Associations  desire  any 
amendment.  That  those  who  do  so,  favor  it  only  for  the  purpose  of 
destroying  its  fundamental  evangelical  character  in  order  to  admit 
Unitarians,  Universalists  and  non-church  members  to  participating 
control. 

2.  That  the  success  of  the  present  standards,  warrants,  in  fact, 
demands  an  adherence  to  the  statement  of  our  basis  as  set  forth  in  the 
Portland  resolutions. 

3.  That  to  change  for  a less  stringent  rule  would  be  breaking 
faith  with  those  who  have  given  large  sums  for  the  support  of  the 
work  and  that  it  might  jeopardize  endowments  and  funds  left  in  trust 
for  the  various  organizations. 

4.  That  the  present  statement  is  in  accord  with  Holy  Scripture. 
Therefore  we  have  no  right  to  change  truth  for  sentiment. 

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5.  That  if  the  question  of  even  slight  revision  should  be  con- 
sidered, the  floodgates  of  liberalism  would  be  opened  and  our 
foundations  swept  away. 

6.  That  if  any  amendment  is  contemplated,  it  should  not  be 
undertaken  until  years  of  study  and  discussion  have  better  qualified 
us  for  wise  conclusions. 

7.  That  it  would  destroy  the  confidence  of  the  evangelical 
churches  in  the  integrity  of  the  organization. 

8.  Several,  perhaps  many,  Associations  would  feel  the  moral 
necessity  of  withdrawing  from  the  brotherhood  if  the  test  were 
weakened  or  broadened. 

9.  A less  stringent  statement  would  insure  a gradual  decline 
in  the  positive,  evangelistic  and  orthodox  attitude  of  our  several 
Associations  toward  the  doctrinal  teachings  of  the  New  Testament. 

10.  It  is  the  supreme  duty  of  the  Young  Men’s  Christian 
Association  to  stand  impregnable  against  the  attacks  of  the  new 
theology. 

In  favor  of  restatement. 

Those  who  favor  change  in  some  form,  hold  that: — 

1.  The  present  standard  is  largely  inoperative.  The  times  and 
conditions  have  outgrown  it. 

1.  The  desire  for  reform  is  wide  spread  and,  unless  heeded,  will 
result  in  serious  friction  and  secession. 

3.  Four  fifths  of  the  Associations  in  the  world  are  on  another 
basis  (Paris)  and  our  attitude  is  therefore  eccentric. 

4.  The  present  basis  was  designed  for  an  emergency  which  no 
longer  exists.  Many,  if  not  most  of  our  churches  have  changed 
their  theological  teachings  during  the  past  forty  years. 

5.  The  Portland  resolution  is  harsh,  narrow,  metaphysical  and 
its  phraseology  erroneous  and  misleading.  Its  object  is  polemic  rather 
than  unifying,  as  shown  by  its  omission  of  all  reference  to  the  Holy 

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Spirit  as  the  propelling  power  of  our  work.  Its  neglect  of  the  great 
doctrine  of  the  Resurrection  of  Jesus,  as  the  corner-stone  of  our  faith. 
Its  failure  to  emphasize  the  humanity  of  our  Lord’s  life  and  teaching. 

6.  The  test  as  now  stated  asks,  Do  you  subscribe  to  a denom- 
inational formula,  rather  than,  Are  you  an  honest,  earnest,  sincere 
follower  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  your  life  and  doctrine? 

7.  The  parenthetical  clause  of  the  Portland  Resolution  is  a 
compilation  of  fragments  of  scriptural  texts,  wrenched  from  their 
contexts  and  patched  together,  thereby  distorting  their  real  meaning. 
As  a statement  of  evangelical  truth,  it  is  a distortion,  not  only  on 
account  of  what  it  says,  but  quite  as  much  because  of  what  it  omits. 

8.  Necessary  and  persistent  evasion  of  the  practical  application 
of  the  test  is  becoming  intolerable. 

Changes  suggested. 

It  has  been  suggested  that  in  place  of  the  Portland  resolution  as 
an  explanatory  statement  of  the  word  “ Evangelical,”  that  we  follow 
the  action  of  the  Young  Women’s  Christian  Association  by  substi- 
tuting for  that  whole  section,  the  words : 

“ We  hold  those  churches  to  be  evangelical  that  are  entitled  to  representation  in  the  Federal  Council 
of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America  under  the  action  taken  by  the  Inter-Church  Conference,  held  in  New 
York  City,  November  1905.” 

Others  recommend  the  following  continuation  of  the  second 
paragraph  of  the  resolution  : 

“ And  we  hold  those  churches  to  be  evangelical,  which  maintaining  the  Holy  Scripture  of  the  New 
Testament  to  be  the  standard  and  the  example  of  our  faith  and  practice,  do  believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
as  the  only  name  under  heaven,  given  among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved.” 

From  a college  man,  comes  this  first  rough  draft  of  what  he 
thinks  would  meet  the  needs  of  the  college  situation: — 

“The  purpose  of  the  Association  is  to  unite  men  in  extending  the  Kingdom  of  God  among  men. 
This  purpose  involves  the  leading  of  men  to  recognize  and  accept  Jesus  Christ  as  Lord  and  Saviour,  the 
building  up  of  strong  Christian  character  and  the  training  of  men  in  Christian  service.  It  is  our  abiding 
conviction  that,  ‘There  is  none  other  name  under  heaven,  given  among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved;’ 


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and  therefore  that,  if  this  organization  is  to  accomplish  its  purpose,  it  must  steadfastly  acknowledge  Jesus 
Christ  as  Saviour  and  Lord.  We  believe  that  the  maintenance  of  this  cardinal  principle  requires  that  voting 
and  office  bearing  control  be  vested  in  those  persons  who  agree  in  it.  We  accept  membership  in  any  one  of 
the  following  churches  as  prima  facie  evidence  of  such  agreement.  We  likewise  accept  a declaration  of  inten- 
tion to  unite  with  one  of  these  churches  as  equivalent  evidence.  We  recognize  that  there  are  men  not 
belonging  to  any  church,  who  personally  agree  with  the  cardinal  principle  of  the  Association.  We  accept  any 
one  of  these  as  a voting  member  who  signs  the  following  declaration:” 

“ Fully  agreeing  in  the  cardinal  principle  of  the  Association,  I acknowledge  allegiance  to  Jesus  Christ 
as  my  Lord  and  my  Saviour  and  I wish  to  join  the  Association  in  extending  the  Kingdom  of  God  among  men.” 

“We  welcome  to  membership  in  the  Association  any  man  who  desires  to  identify  himself  with  it.” 

“ Here  would  follow  the  usual  safeguards  as  to  the  name,  the  requiring  of  a two-thirds  vote  of  the 
members  present,  etc.” 

1.  A prominent  clergyman  declares  that  the  only  satisfactory 
basis  for  active  membership  in  the  Young  Men’s  Christian  Associa- 
tion must  be  the  Apostle’s  Creed,  because  of  its  catholicity  and 
clarity. 

“ I believe  in  God,  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of  Heaven  and  Earth;  and  in  Jesus  Christ  His  only 
Son  our  Lord;  Who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  Born  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  Suffered  under  Pontius 
Pilate,  was  Crucified  dead  and  buried  ; He  decended  into  hell,  the  third  day  he  rose  again  from  the  dead ; He 
ascended  into  Heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God,  the  Father  Almighty;  from  thence  He  shall 
come  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead. 

I believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  the  Holy  Catholic  Church;  the  Communion  of  Saints,  the  Forgiveness 
of  sins;  the  Resurrection  of  the  body;  and  the  Life  Everlasting.  Amen.” 

3.  Several  prominent  secretaries  and  laymen  believe  that  the 
present  Evangelical  Test  should  not  be  changed,  because  of  the 
endless  theological  discussion  which  would  attend  any  attempt  to 
amend  it;  but  that  an  alternate  statement  should  be  adopted,  so  that 
newly  organized  Associations  or  old  ones,  for  that  matter,  can  choose 
the  statement  which  seems  the  best  adopted  to  their  local  field,  as  a 
basis  of  membership.  They  propose  as  such  alternate  the  Paris 
Basis. 

“ The  Young  Men’s  Christian  Associations  seek  to  unite  those  young  men,  who,  regarding  Jesus 
Christ  as  their  God  and  Saviour,  according  to  the  Holy  Scriptures,  desire  to  be  His  disciples,  in  their  doctrine 
and  in  their  life,  and  to  associate  their  efforts  for  the  extension  of  His  kingdom  among  young  men.” 


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